Prototype @ Hotel Jen, Beijing

Hotel Jen Beijing opened in May 2017 featuring a new age business hub, designed to be laid back, yet efficient, Prototype reimagines the tired business center to create a buzzing destination perfect for creatives and management alike. In today’s age, the need for high end private meeting rooms is diminishing; like the new generation, the nature of business meetings are more casual and social which is why Stickman Tribe and the operations team at Shangri-La set out to create a dynamic and efficient space that serves those needs.

From the moment you enter, vibrant colors, quirky illustrations and varied textures activate the senses, whilst colourful, hexagonal woven tiles create a vibrant base palette, alongside subtle wooden enclosures and screens to absorb sound and create a better acoustic for conversation. While Sterling Contracting took care of the fit-out requirements, at its core however runs the in depth research undertaken by Stickman Tribe and U.S. based company Steel case into the very nature of the Millennial’s business needs, inspiring the creation of three unique zones; an open and collaborative studio, semi-private lifestyle meeting rooms, as well as more conventional board rooms.

Anticipating any eventuality, the space offers one-person conference booths, two-seat niches for breakaway meetings, an eclectic mix of wingback chairs to provide a sense of privacy, and even unique three-meter high beehives that create a hub within the hub and encourage collaboration. The breakout area meanwhile features a safe and environmentally friendly bio ethanol fire, distressed oak floorboards, and wooden alcoves for magazines and books, along with a mix of modern and classic furniture to create an inspiring social space with a residential feel.

To add character to the already charming space, vibrant and playful illustrations are printed on the roller blinds which are set to automatically drop down when the sun is facing the West side of the high rise tower. Quirky “charge me” lights mark the location where guests can charge their phones or laptops within a secured drop down wooden enclosure. The dead space between the architectural V-columns was efficiently transformed into two-seater conferencing booths separated from the space using clear glass and black metal framing. In order to appeal to every user’s needs, semi-private small meeting rooms are available featuring ergonomically layered seating and smart glass to provide privacy when needed. As a whole, Prototype is the perfect destination for people to be ‘alone together.’